The Craig campus of Colorado Northwestern Community College, pictured, will host an orientation for new students starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. The school's Rangely campus will host a similar but larger event Aug 23 to 25. Classes begin for both campuses Aug. 26.

The event will help new students become acclimated to the school before classes begin Aug. 26. The CNCC Rangely campus, 500 Kennedy Dr., will host a similar event with activities running from Aug. 23 to 25. Students must RSVP at 824-1101 for the Craig event. RSVPs are also encouraged for Rangely. For more information, call 1-800-562-1105 or visit www.cncc.edu.

Craig  With schools across the country preparing for the end of summer and the beginning of their academic years, the learning institutions of Northwest Colorado are no exception.

The campuses of Colorado Northwestern Community College will be hosting orientation for incoming students during the next two weekends.

The Craig campus orientation Saturday will allow new CNCC students to get a feel for the school with introductory knowledge about campus email accounts, library services, financial aid and other topics leading up to the first day of classes Aug. 26.

“It’s basically everything you need to know and everyone you need to meet to succeed on our campus,” said Assistant Registrar Mindy Shue.

Students will be able to meet with faculty and fellow students and tour the campus as they also receive IDs and check out the groups and activities available to them.

Student activities coordinator Jennifer Holloway said those hoping to get involved with organizations like student government or planning to sign up for special events during the school year can learn more about those opportunities while enjoying pizza and participating in a scavenger hunt called Knowledge Crusade.

“I think it’ll be good to be able to meet them (new students) and get to know them,” she said. “It was a lot of fun last year.”

The orientation get-together is in its second year for the Craig campus, last year serving more than 70 new students. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to ensure organizers have an accurate count of how many to expect in attendance.

With students able to live on campus and participate in school athletic programs, the larger Rangely campus, which last year saw an enrollment of about 170 new students, will offer a bigger schedule of events Aug 23 to 25, which include advising and registration, seminars on college life and a cookout, among other things.

Robyn Wilson, Rangely’s advising and intervention specialist, said she is hoping to see student enrollment grow.

“One thing we’re really excited about is getting more local folks involved with tuition waivers for residents, so people can get their education at Colorado Northwestern for less expense than other schools. So we hope they take advantage of that.”

Andy Bockelman can be reached at 970-875-1793 or abockelman@craigdailypress.com.